For my research paper my topic is Shinto before and after WWII. In my paper I will be researching the Japanese side of things rather than the American side that we always hear. Recently, I have been collecting lots and lots of books on Shinto and focusing on learning about the religion. My plan after really learning about Shinto is to dive into how Shinto was before WWII and then after WWII.
As I discovered before Shinto is the indigenous religion of Kapna that has dominated the Japanese society since ancient times. Originally it was the only religion and then Buddhism and Confucianism appeared and then Shinto was forced to have a name. Once the other religion came about they all stared adopting different practices from each other. Eventually Shinto and Buddhism became almost the same.
During the nineteenth century the feudal system in Japan ended and the shotguns lost the right to rule the country. After this Japan’s emperor returned to power. The foundation for restoring power was called State Shinto. According to the ancient legend the emperor descended directly from the highest of the Kami, the sun goddess. The government hoped that the decision to have the emperor rule would bring Japan into a modern nation-state. This movement lead to the Meiji Restoration of 1868. The government discriminated against Buddhism. Shinto shrine and priest were put under funding and control of the government. Then all the Japanese people had to register as parishioners at their local shrine.
In the twentieth century there was a continuation of the nation building strategies of the State Shinto. Schooling became mandatory and required military based service became another goal of the State Shinto. Japan went to war with many of its neighbors with its growing military power. The military victories eventually ended up causing extreme racism and nationalism in the 1920’s and 1930’s. The government emphasized Shinto legends to promote the idea that Japan was a superior nation.
As you just read Shinto was intertwined with the government. The government had a lot of say in the changed of Shinto. Shinto’s changes over the years have been due to the government and military influence.
I think it's fascinating that Shinto and the Japanese government were so deeply interwoven with eachother. Since Buddhism and Shinto were very similar, why do you think that Shinto was so easily adopted by the Japanese while Buddhism faced all sorts of discrimination? Do you think that there was a specific reason that the government chose Shinto as the reigning religion, or do you think that it could've easily been the other way around with Buddhism in power instead? I love the unique perspective you're taking with your research and cannot wait to see the final piece.
ReplyDeleteI think that the way you're talking about Shinto religion in connection with the Japanese government is really fascinating. I also think that it's a really interesting choice to look at it pre- and post-WWII, considering Japan's role in the war. I wonder how Shintoism itself actually changed with each alteration of its use. Did the religion itself change in any way, or did it stay pretty much the same? I think that your topic and your approach to it is really interesting, and I can't wait to read your final paper!
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